Published plans checked 2026-09-10. Availability and price are confirmed in the catalog at checkout.
Data	Validity	Price	Per GB	Choose plan
1 GBAirtel4GReloadable	7 daysVALIDITY STARTS AT FIRST CONNECTIONACTIVATE WITHIN 180 DAYS	$14.40	$14.40	Choose plan
1 GBReloadable	30 daysVALIDITY STARTS AT PURCHASE	$14.37	$14.37	Choose plan
3 GBAirtel4GReloadable	15 daysVALIDITY STARTS AT FIRST CONNECTIONACTIVATE WITHIN 180 DAYS	$38.40	$12.80	Choose plan
3 GBReloadable	30 daysVALIDITY STARTS AT PURCHASE	$32.90	$10.97	Choose plan
5 GBReloadable	30 daysVALIDITY STARTS AT PURCHASE	$49.36	$9.88	Choose plan
10 GBReloadable	30 daysVALIDITY STARTS AT PURCHASE	$82.30	$8.23	Choose plan
20 GBReloadable	30 daysVALIDITY STARTS AT PURCHASE	$164.63	$8.24	Choose plan
50 GBReloadable	30 daysVALIDITY STARTS AT PURCHASE	$329.29	$6.59	Choose plan
100 GBReloadable	30 daysVALIDITY STARTS AT PURCHASE	$658.62	$6.59	Choose plan
UnlimitedAirtel4G	1 dayVALIDITY STARTS AT FIRST CONNECTIONACTIVATE WITHIN 180 DAYS	$37.80	—	Choose plan
UnlimitedAirtel4G	3 daysVALIDITY STARTS AT FIRST CONNECTIONACTIVATE WITHIN 180 DAYS	$113.40	—	Choose plan
UnlimitedAirtel4G	7 daysVALIDITY STARTS AT FIRST CONNECTIONACTIVATE WITHIN 180 DAYS	$264.60	—	Choose plan
UnlimitedAirtel4G	14 daysVALIDITY STARTS AT FIRST CONNECTIONACTIVATE WITHIN 180 DAYS	$529.20	—	Choose plan
UnlimitedAirtel4G	30 daysVALIDITY STARTS AT FIRST CONNECTIONACTIVATE WITHIN 180 DAYS	$1,134.00	—	Choose plan

How far will your data go?

Choose an allowance to see what it could cover. Quality, compression and background activity change actual usage.

Compare available plans

With 3 GB, approximately…

Send photos

≈ 600 photos

Example: 5 MB per photo

Upload your own videos

≈ 47 clips

Example: a 1-minute Full HD clip ≈ 63 MB

Watch video

≈ 1 hr

HD example: 3 GB per hour

At standard quality: ≈ 4 hr 17 min

Make video calls

≈ 2 hr 46 min

1:1 at 720p: ≈ 1.08 GB per hour

Each result uses the whole allowance for that one activity. The results do not add up: maps, messages and other apps share the same data.

Taking photos or recording video on your phone does not itself use mobile data. Sending, watching or backing them up over the mobile network does.

Compare 1, 3, 5, 10 and 20 GB

Alternative uses of the same allowance
Data	Photos · 5 MB	1-minute clips · 63 MB	HD video · 3 GB/hr	Standard video · 0.7 GB/hr	Video calls · 720p
1 GB	≈ 200 photos	≈ 15 clips	≈ 20 min	≈ 1 hr 25 min	≈ 55 min
3 GB	≈ 600 photos	≈ 47 clips	≈ 1 hr	≈ 4 hr 17 min	≈ 2 hr 46 min
5 GB	≈ 1,000 photos	≈ 79 clips	≈ 1 hr 40 min	≈ 7 hr 8 min	≈ 4 hr 37 min
10 GB	≈ 2,000 photos	≈ 158 clips	≈ 3 hr 20 min	≈ 14 hr 17 min	≈ 9 hr 15 min
20 GB	≈ 4,000 photos	≈ 317 clips	≈ 6 hr 40 min	≈ 28 hr 34 min	≈ 18 hr 31 min

Where these estimates come from

Planning examples, not guaranteed totals. We use 1 GB = 1,000 MB, round down complete files and minutes, and exclude overhead, retries and background traffic.

5 MB is Verizon’s high-resolution photo example. Your files can be smaller after compression or much larger as originals or RAW. Check the actual file size on your phone. Verizon ↗
63 MB models a 1-minute H.264 Full HD export at 24–30 fps using YouTube’s recommended video and stereo audio bitrates. It is not a universal camera-file size or the cost of watching a clip. YouTube ↗
Viewing examples use Netflix’s published rates: up to 0.7 GB/hr at Medium and up to 3 GB/hr in HD. Other apps and quality settings can differ; these are not YouTube playback rates. Netflix ↗
The call example uses Zoom’s 1:1 720p bandwidth: 1.2 Mbps up and 1.2 Mbps down, together about 1.08 GB/hr. Group calls and higher resolutions can use more. Zoom ↗

Sources checked 2026-09-08

Make your data last

Maps and messages

Start with your usual usage. Download maps, your accommodation address and bookings before departure.

Social posts and photos

Allow extra data if Wi-Fi will be limited. Check whether your phone backs up photos and videos over mobile data.

Video and work

Check recent data use on your phone and the package’s hotspot rules. Budget separately for video calls and large downloads.

03 / Installation

How to install an eSIM in Malawi

Your first eSIM? Here is what to open and what to tap.

Check the exact model, regional variant and system version. If Add eSIM or EID is missing, contact support before buying. A brand name alone does not confirm compatibility.

Manufacturer’s instructions · iPhone ↗

Manufacturer’s instructions · Google Pixel / Android ↗

Manufacturer’s instructions · Samsung ↗

Manufacturer’s instructions · Huawei ↗

Manufacturer’s instructions · Honor ↗

Manufacturer’s instructions · Xiaomi / Redmi ↗

Manufacturer’s instructions · Motorola ↗

Manufacturer’s instructions · OPPO ↗

Manufacturer’s instructions · OnePlus ↗

On iOS 26, a Turn On Travel eSIM notification may appear after arrival. Choose the travel line for data and check whether you also want to keep your home line active. If no notification appears, use the manual steps below.

Check when your package starts: at payment, installation or first connection. If it starts on installation, install nearer your trip. Installing later does not postpone a package that started at payment.

These screens show settings on the models named below. Your operator and eSIM labels will differ. Screens retain the source language; each caption translates and identifies the control to use. Tap any image for a closer look.

iPhone 17 · iOS 26 · Screen source ↗

Before your trip · install the eSIM

Use a stable Wi-Fi connection or hotspot. Your exact phone model must support eSIM and be unlocked for other operators.

01
Open your eSIM installation
Connect the phone you will use for your eSIM to Wi-Fi. Choose one of the two options below. If this eSIM is already installed, skip to choosing the line for mobile data.

The app or email on this phone
In the Letisim app, open My eSIMs, choose your purchased eSIM and tap Install. On the preparation screen, tap Copy name and install.
Or open your eSIM email on this same phone and tap Install eSIM. If the link opens your order page first, use the installation button shown there.

A QR code on another screen
Open your eSIM’s QR code from the email or order on a computer, tablet or another phone. Point the camera of the phone you are installing the eSIM on at the code, then tap the installation prompt.

Both options lead to the phone’s system setup. Continue with step 2.

The button or camera did not open setup?
You can add the eSIM by scanning its QR code in Settings. Follow the path below, choose the QR scanner and use the code for your own purchase. If the QR is on this same phone, see the options without a second screen below the guide.
iPhone: Settings → Mobile Service / Cellular → Add eSIM → Use QR Code → Scan QR Code → Continue
Google Pixel / Android: Settings → Network and Internet → SIMs → Add SIM → Set up an eSIM → scan your QR → Set up
Samsung: Settings → Connections → SIM manager → Add eSIM → Scan QR code → Add → Next
Huawei: Settings → Mobile network → SIM management → SIM 2 → Add eSIM → Add eSIM → Scan code → Add this eSIM
Honor: Settings → Mobile network → SIM management → Add eSIM → Add eSIM or transfer from your device → Set up an eSIM → Set up
Xiaomi / Redmi: Settings → Mobile networks → Use eSIM → Manage eSIM → Add eSIM → Add eSIM → scan your QR → confirm download
Motorola: Settings → Network & Internet → SIMs & mobile network → Download new SIM → Set up an eSIM → scan your QR → Set up
OPPO: Settings → Mobile network → SIM & eSIM settings → Add eSIM → Set up an eSIM → scan your QR → Set up
OnePlus: Settings → Mobile network → eSIM → Add eSIM → Add eSIM → Next → scan your QR → Set up
Enlarge screen ↗
Tap Add eSIM to add your travel eSIM. Screen source ↗
02
Confirm installation on your phone
The install button or your QR code opens the phone’s system setup. Confirm that you want to add the eSIM, then stay connected to Wi-Fi until the profile finishes downloading. If the phone first asks how to add an eSIM, use your QR code. You do not need to transfer your home SIM from another phone.
Continue / Add / Install / Set up → wait for the eSIM to download
Enlarge screen ↗
For the QR option: Choose Use QR Code to install using your QR code. Screen source ↗
Enlarge screen ↗
After scanning, tap Continue to confirm installation of your eSIM. Screen source ↗
03
Give the new line a clear name
For example, “Letisim Malawi”, so you can distinguish it from your home SIM. This is a label on your phone; it does not change the number or plan.
iPhone: Settings → Cellular / Mobile Service → new eSIM → Cellular Plan Label → Custom
Google Pixel / Android: Settings → Network & internet → SIMs → new eSIM → Edit name
Samsung: Settings → Connections → SIM manager → new eSIM → Name
Huawei: SIM management → SIM 2 → your eSIM → Card name. You can keep the existing label if no rename option is shown.
Honor: SIM management → SIM 2 → eSIM name. Rename it if your MagicOS version offers this option.
Xiaomi / Redmi: Manage eSIM → your plan → Change nickname, if available.
Motorola: Open the new eSIM in SIM settings and use the edit-name option if available.
OPPO: Open the installed profile in eSIM settings and change its label if your ColorOS version allows it.
OnePlus: Open the installed eSIM and edit its name if the option is available.
Line name: Letisim Malawi
Enlarge screen ↗
Open the new eSIM to edit its name. The example label may differ from yours. Screen source ↗

Installation adds the eSIM to your phone. Choose it for mobile data at your destination. Package validity still follows its own start rule.

At your destination · turn on data

04
Choose the eSIM for mobile data
Turn on the new line and select it for mobile data. You can keep your home SIM for calls and texts at its usual rates. Turn off automatic mobile-data switching between SIMs.
iPhone: Settings → Cellular / Mobile Service → Cellular Data → Letisim. Turn off “Allow Cellular Data Switching”.
Google Pixel / Android: Settings → Network & internet → SIMs → Mobile data → Letisim
Samsung: Settings → Connections → SIM manager → Mobile data → Letisim
Huawei: In SIM management, enable the travel eSIM and select it as the default mobile-data SIM. Adding it may disable a physical SIM in slot 2.
Honor: In SIM management, enable the eSIM and choose it for mobile data. Check which physical SIM remains active.
Xiaomi / Redmi: Enable the travel plan in Manage eSIM, then select it for mobile data. Some models use eSIM instead of physical SIM 2.
Motorola: Network & internet → SIM settings: enable the travel eSIM and select it for mobile data.
OPPO: Enable the profile in Mobile network → eSIM, then select it for mobile data. The eSIM may occupy the SIM 2 position.
OnePlus: In Mobile network, enable the travel eSIM and choose it for mobile data. Turn off automatic switching to the other SIM.
Enlarge screen ↗
Choose your travel eSIM for Mobile data. Keep your home SIM for calls. Screen source ↗
05
Check roaming in your package guide
If your eSIM instructions require data roaming, enable it for the Letisim line. Keep data roaming off on your home SIM. If an APN is specified, use the exact value in your own package’s guide.
iPhone: Settings → Cellular / Mobile Service → Letisim → Data Roaming (sometimes under Cellular Data Options)
Google Pixel / Android: Settings → Network & internet → SIMs → Letisim → Roaming
Samsung: First select Letisim for mobile data, then Settings → Connections → Mobile networks → Data roaming
Huawei: Open Mobile network → Mobile data and check data roaming for the travel SIM. Follow the settings in your package guide.
Honor: In the mobile-network settings, open the travel SIM’s data settings and enable roaming only if your package requires it.
Xiaomi / Redmi: In Mobile networks, open the travel SIM’s data-roaming settings. Use the roaming and APN values from your package guide.
Motorola: Open the travel eSIM’s network settings and check Roaming against your package instructions.
OPPO: Open the travel SIM’s mobile-network settings and enable data roaming if required by your package.
OnePlus: Open the travel SIM’s settings and check Data roaming against the instructions for your own package.
Enlarge screen ↗
Open Data roaming or Roaming for the travel line. Enable it only if your package instructions require it. Screen source ↗
06
Check your connection
Turn off Wi-Fi and open a map or website. If it loads, mobile data is working. If it does not, turn airplane mode on for about 30 seconds, turn it off and wait for a connection. Recheck the selected line and package settings.
Wi-Fi off → website loads → you are connected
Enlarge screen ↗
Turn Wi-Fi off using this switch, then open a website or map to check mobile data. Screen source ↗

No second screen for your QR code?

If the scanner has a gallery button, save the QR from your order and choose that image. If your order includes manual installation details, choose Enter details manually and copy the fields exactly. The available methods depend on your phone and eSIM. If neither is available, contact support; do not scan a sample code from this guide or delete an installed eSIM.

Menu names can differ by phone model and system version.

04 / Operators

Mobile operators in Malawi

Compare network coverage separately from speed. A national result does not predict reception inside your hotel or along a mountain road.

Compare Airtel Malawi, Telekom Networks Malawi (TNM) for your route. Check which network is included in the selected eSIM, then confirm coverage for your accommodation and trip stops.

Airtel Malawi

Airtel publishes a public Malawi coverage page. Travellers can use it to check area-by-area service before a trip, but it remains a planning tool rather than a guarantee for every hotel, pier or road segment. [4] [5]

Check coverage ↗

Telekom Networks Malawi (TNM)

Ask Telekom Networks Malawi (TNM) about mobile coverage at your accommodation and along your route. Check the network listed in the eSIM package before purchase. [1] [2] [3]

Official website ↗

The network in your chosen package is what matters. This country comparison does not mean every plan includes every operator. 5G depends on the package, phone and local coverage.

05 / Coverage

Coverage across Malawi

Check the addresses and roads you will actually use. Save maps and booking details before leaving Wi-Fi.

🇲🇼 Malawi

Lilongwe
Cape Maclear and Lake Malawi shore
Likoma Island
Zomba Plateau and the southern highlands

Lilongwe

Use the capital as your first live check after arrival. It is the easiest place to verify that the eSIM profile is active, compare basic data stability on the two national networks, and sort out any backup SIM or top-up before leaving for the lake or the south. Test maps, messages and a simple web page while you are still in town. [1] [2] [3] [5]

Cape Maclear and Lake Malawi shore

For lakeshore stays, set up data before you move away from the city and expect the most practical use near settled lodge areas, not across every boat leg. Offline maps, saved bookings and a modest data allowance are especially useful here for coordination, photos and messaging. [6] [9] [10]

Likoma Island

Island travel deserves a backup plan. Visit Malawi says Likoma is reached by air or water, with MV Ilala and other boats serving the island, so keep offline maps, hotel details and transport contacts stored on the phone before the crossing. Carry enough data for the transfer and the first day on the island. [7] [6]

Zomba Plateau and the southern highlands

On plateau and hill routes, the useful habit is to prepare before you climb. Download maps, route notes and accommodation details in advance, because a town-centre connection does not always translate into the same experience once you head onto the plateau or side roads. Offline content reduces friction. [8]

Malawi · eSIM

How connectivity works in Malawi

Malawi is a market where day-to-day traveller experience depends more on the exact route than on a single national headline. The operator evidence identifies Airtel Malawi and Telekom Networks Malawi (TNM) as the current mobile networks to compare. Airtel provides a public coverage page, while TNM says its network covers over 88% of Malawi geographically, operates 2G, 3G and 4G, and is piloting 5G in selected key cities. For a traveller, the important point is not just whether a network exists, but where you will actually use it: the capital, the lake shore, an island transfer, a plateau road or a lodge outside town.

The most practical setup is to activate and test the eSIM in Lilongwe or another major town, then treat the rest of the trip as a series of usage zones. City centres are the easiest place to check whether the profile is provisioned correctly and whether maps, messages and light browsing work as expected. Lake Malawi, Cape Maclear, Likoma and the Zomba Plateau are all tourism areas where offline maps, saved booking details and a separate home SIM can make the difference between smooth coordination and unnecessary friction. Public operator pages help you check footprint and tools, but they do not guarantee identical results at every hotel, pier or road segment, so it is wiser to buy around your route rather than around assumptions.

Useful apps and travel tools

TNM Smart App ↗

Official TNM app for checking balances, reviewing usage, recharging and managing bundles. It is most useful if your trip includes TNM service or you want an easy way to track data use during the stay. [2] [3]

Google Maps ↗

Widely used navigation app for live directions, saved places and offline maps. It is useful in Malawi for city driving, lakeshore transfers and trips where you want route information available even if signal quality changes. [11]

Before you buy

What matters most for Malawi connectivity

For most travellers, the choice comes down to the two identified national networks and the exact places on the itinerary. City centres, lakeshore lodges, island transfers and plateau roads can all feel different, so the safest plan is to verify the eSIM in Lilongwe or another major town, then keep offline maps ready for lake and hill segments. Public operator pages help you check footprint, but they do not replace a live test where you will actually sleep and move. [1] [4] [5] [6] [7] [8]

Use your data around the trip, not against it

The best plan is usually the one that fits maps, messages, ride coordination and a small buffer for delays. Keep your home SIM separate from the data eSIM so roaming charges stay distinct, and use operator apps only where they help you manage usage or top up. In Malawi, that practical split is often more valuable than chasing an oversized bundle. [2] [3] [6] [8]

06 / FAQ

Questions about eSIM in Malawi

Which network should I choose for a trip to Malawi?

Choose by itinerary rather than by slogan. Airtel Malawi and TNM are the two mobile networks identified from the operator evidence here, and both are plausible options for normal travel use. If you are mostly in Lilongwe or another city, either may be fine for maps and messages. If your trip includes Lake Malawi, Likoma or a plateau drive, the safer move is to pick enough data for the whole route and keep offline maps ready, because the experience can change from one shore, pier or road section to another. [1] [4] [5] [6] [7] [8]

Is a Malawi eSIM enough for Lake Malawi and island trips?

Often yes for ordinary travel tasks, but you should plan conservatively. Lake Malawi and the island routes are tourism highlights, yet the practical experience can shift between a settled lodge area, a boat transfer and a shoreline stop. If you rely on live navigation, ride coordination or frequent photo sharing, download offline maps before you leave the city and carry enough data for the whole lake leg. That way the eSIM supports the trip instead of becoming a constraint. [6] [7] [9] [10]

Can I keep my home SIM active as well?

Yes, and for many travellers that is the safest arrangement. Keep your home SIM for calls, banking texts or account recovery, and use the Malawi eSIM for data so roaming charges stay separate. That split is especially handy when you want to preserve your primary number while still using maps, messaging and transport apps locally. Just remember that if your physical SIM stays active for data roaming, your home carrier may still charge for it. [2] [3]

Where is the easiest place to test my eSIM after arrival?

Lilongwe is usually the easiest starting point because you can check data in a city setting before moving on to lakeshore roads or island connections. Test basic tasks first: opening maps, sending messages and loading a simple web page. If those work in the capital, you still should not assume the same behaviour at every lodge or pier, but you will at least know the eSIM is provisioned correctly before you head out. [1] [2] [3]

Do I need anything special for Zomba or other hill areas?

Nothing unusual, but you should prepare more deliberately. On hill roads and plateau drives, it is smart to download maps, directions and hotel details before you set off. That matters in Zomba because you may have service in town and then want offline navigation once you move onto the plateau or side roads. A data eSIM still helps for live updates, but offline content reduces stress when the route becomes less predictable. [8]

Which app is worth installing with a Malawi plan?

If you expect to use TNM service, the official TNM Smart App is useful for checking balances, recharging and managing bundles. For the trip itself, the bigger win is usually to keep your map app updated and store offline areas before long drives or lake transfers. The app choice should support the journey you already planned, not replace it. [2] [3] [11] [6] [7] [8]

Sources and checks · Country research checked 2026-09-08

TNM company profile · Telekom Networks Malawi
TNM Smart App · Telekom Networks Malawi
TNM data management · Telekom Networks Malawi
Airtel Malawi network coverage · Airtel Malawi
Airtel Malawi about us · Airtel Malawi
Lake Malawi · Visit Malawi
Likoma and Chizumulu Islands · Visit Malawi
Zomba Plateau · Malawi Tourism
Cape Maclear and Lake Malawi National Park · Visit Malawi
Lake Malawi National Park and Cape Maclear · Visit Malawi
Google Maps on Google Play · Google LLC
Letisim public catalog · Letisim